Choosing Between a Mid-Tier Private Equity Internship and a Lucrative Fortune 500 Tech Sales Job - Need Advice!
Hey everyone,
I'm facing a bit of a dilemma here, and I could really use some guidance. I've received an internship offer from a mid-tier private equity firm, which would be a great opportunity to learn about finance and investments, but it's unpaid. On the other hand, I have a full-time job offer from a Fortune 500 tech company in tech sales, with a salary that's five times higher than the private equity internship.
I'm really torn between gaining valuable experience in finance through the internship or securing financial stability with the tech sales job. I'm passionate about both fields, but they are quite different career paths.
Has anyone been in a similar situation or have any insights to share? What factors should I consider when making this decision? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hey there,
This is indeed a tough decision to make. On one hand, you have an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the finance sector with the private equity internship, and on the other, you have a lucrative job offer in tech sales.
If you're leaning towards a career in finance, the private equity internship could provide you with the necessary skills and experience. It could also open doors for you in the future, as having a private equity firm on your resume is quite impressive. However, it's unpaid, which could potentially strain your finances.
On the flip side, the tech sales job offers financial stability and a chance to work in a Fortune 500 company. This could also be a great opportunity, especially if you're interested in the tech industry.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your long-term career goals. If you're more interested in finance, the private equity internship might be the way to go. If you're more inclined towards the tech industry, the tech sales job could be a better fit.
Remember, there's no right or wrong choice here. It's about what aligns best with your career goals and personal circumstances. Good luck with your decision!
Sources: Two Internships Don’t Equal a Job: My journey from an NGO to a VC, Goldman Sales & Trading vs. BCG -- Sophomore Internship, Torn between two job opportunities
In the long run both PE and tech sales will provide more than enough financial stability so I would focus more on what you actually want to do. Being an investor vs doing sales are two very different jobs and I’d focus a lot more on which of the two you can see yourself doing long-term vs focus on short-term.
What's the pay and commission structure like for the tech sales job? How does it scale as you progress upwards?
You have to watch out with tech sales. Many times there can be a very limited amount of upwards mobility. You might start out making 300k but 6 years after that you might be making relatively the same. The issue is quotas as well, you suffer from success and have new pressures put on you every time you do well. However, if the company has a very fair compensation structure and you know there is room to grow, it might make for a great career. Just watch out and make sure the company doesn't burn through salespeople.
Is the PE position on a non-deal team? Is the firm a fundless sponsor? If the answer is yes to either question, I would pass on the role. It’s also very weird that they wouldn’t pay you if they are indeed mid-tier.
If the answer is no to either question, I would take the internship as it provides you with more optionality. It would open up a potential path to a full time PE role via directly from the internship or a stint in IB. People can make the jump from PE or IB to some version of business development but sales people can’t generally speaking make the switch to PE investing or IB. I’ve seen some tech sales guys make the jump to business development teams at PE firms but none to investment roles.
Obviously finances and the economy are huge inputs to your decision. Taking the internship could be hard financially. Plus there is no guarantee when you could land a full time role unless the PE firm gave you some indication of if and when you could convert your internship. Worst case scenario is due to the hiring environment, you could be without a full time job for a year or two.
The salary is five times higher vs the internship but at the same time the internship is unpaid?
Had this question too….
Faced a near identical situation for my summer internship at my MBA program (2 offers - PE bizdev unpaid or Tech Strategy & Ops)
$60+ an hour to work in a niche tech industry that I'm super passionate about (also a space I tried breaking into pre-MBA with no success) vs. doing MM PE business development unpaid. Was a very easy decision to me. Went with the tech role almost immediately after receiving the compensation details. Saved up some solid money and recognized I want to return to that niche tech space eventually even if it isn't right after graduation.
PE firm didn't give any offers and the tech firm does JIT hiring and I've been in constant communication with them. Easy decision for me. Every person is different of course.
Qui assumenda molestiae quae rerum. Beatae at laudantium ut temporibus ut quia commodi. Asperiores delectus reiciendis quibusdam vitae ab aut in.
Laboriosam iusto itaque excepturi repudiandae ut aut nesciunt. Dolores fugiat itaque voluptatem ut voluptatum officia. Error ea beatae voluptatem et. Quia perspiciatis officia alias corrupti occaecati reiciendis. Unde fuga eos molestias id quibusdam esse provident.
Commodi maxime aliquid ut tempore. In reiciendis accusamus at quam quae quasi quidem vel. Molestias ea quam doloremque dicta nesciunt laborum est.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...